IBM recently unveiled a roadmap for developing Quantum Starling, its ambitious large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer. Central to this plan is the new IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor, which is expected to launch later this year. The company highlighted in a blog post that achieving the full potential of quantum computing will require systems capable of running large-scale circuits with hundreds of qubits and millions of gates, while also correcting errors to maintain stability and accuracy.
Fault-tolerant quantum computing is seen as a key milestone for the technology, and IBM’s announcement adds momentum to the competitive quantum computing landscape. This year has already seen advancements from other tech giants: Google unveiled its Willow quantum chip in December, Microsoft launched its Majorana 1 chip in February, and Amazon introduced its Ocelot chip shortly after.
IBM plans to build Quantum Starling at its Poughkeepsie Lab in New York, following a bird-themed naming convention for its quantum processors. The roadmap outlines a series of components, starting with the Quantum Loon chip in 2023, the Quantum Kookaburra processor module in 2026, and the Quantum Cockatoo adapter in 2027. By 2028, IBM aims to enhance the Quantum Nighthawk processor to handle circuits with 15,000 gates, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessor, the Quantum Heron.
These advancements highlight growing interest and investment in quantum computing, which researchers believe could revolutionize industries by solving complex problems faster than traditional semiconductor-based computers. Potential applications include simulating intricate physical systems and deciphering advanced encryption.
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